Cranberry Mousse Pie is a dessert that dances on the palate, blending a tart and sweet symphony of flavors with an airy texture. Imagine a light, fluffy mousse made from fresh cranberries, cradled in a buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. It’s like a party in your mouth where everyone’s invited, and the drinks are served by tiny elves!
I remember the first time I encountered this masterpiece at my Aunt Edna’s Thanksgiving feast. As she unveiled it, the vibrant pink hue made my heart skip a beat. That first bite was pure bliss; it was as if all my holiday wishes had come true. Now, this delightful pie serves as an essential companion for festive gatherings and cozy winter nights alike.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Mousse Pie is incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
- Its unique flavor profile combines tartness and sweetness for an unforgettable dessert experience.
- The stunning visual appeal will make it the star of any dessert table.
- Versatile enough for both holiday celebrations and casual get-togethers, it’s sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients for Cranberry Mousse Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: These little gems provide that tangy burst of flavor. Look for plump, firm berries for optimal taste.
- Granulated Sugar: You’ll need sugar to balance out the tartness of the cranberries. Adjust based on your sweetness preference!
- Heavy Cream: Whipping cream adds richness and helps achieve that light mousse texture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter ensures control over saltiness in your crust while adding depth to flavors.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a crunchy base that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth mousse.
- Powdered Gelatin: This ingredient helps set the mousse perfectly without making it rubbery.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Mousse Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well blended. Press this mixture into a pie dish evenly to form your crust. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Purée
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries with granulated sugar and a splash of water. Cook until the cranberries burst and soften; this should take about 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool before blending into a smooth purée.
Step 3: Whip Your Cream
In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. This will give your mousse that cloud-like texture we all know and love.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Sprinkle powdered gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for about five minutes. Then, gently heat it until dissolved and mix it into your cranberry purée. Fold this mixture into your whipped cream until fully combined.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pie
Pour the cranberry mousse into your prepared crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight if possible to let it set properly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once set, slice up generous pieces of pie and serve chilled! Garnish with extra whipped cream or fresh cranberries if you’re feeling fancy.
Let me tell you—this Cranberry Mousse Pie is more than just dessert; it’s an experience! Each bite transports you back to cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and love while being topped off with that perfect sweet-tart zing that keeps you coming back for more! So grab those ingredients and dive into making this delightful treat today!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry mousse pie is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes.
- The vibrant red color and creamy texture make it an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering.
- Perfect for holiday dinners, birthdays, or just because you deserve a slice of happiness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while your oven preheats. Once the crust cools, whip the cream and fold in the cranberry mixture for maximum fluffiness. Chill everything together before serving to ensure that perfect mousse consistency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add a touch of orange zest to brighten the flavor or mix in some chopped nuts for added crunch and personality!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating; this pie is best served chilled straight from the fridge, maintaining its delightful mousse texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a smoother filling, blend cranberries thoroughly before folding in whipped cream.
- Avoid overmixing to keep that light, airy texture intact.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal and presentation at your next gathering.
It’s funny how this pie has become my go-to dessert for every family gathering. One bite had my cousin claiming it was made with ‘secret fairy magic’—and honestly, who am I to spoil that fun?
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Mousse Pie?
To make a delightful Cranberry Mousse Pie, you will need fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, gelatin, cream cheese, heavy cream, and a graham cracker crust. The cranberries provide the essential tartness, while the cream cheese and heavy cream create a creamy texture. You may also want to add vanilla extract for additional flavor. Ensure you have everything prepared before starting to make the pie so the process goes smoothly.
How long does it take to prepare Cranberry Mousse Pie?
Preparing Cranberry Mousse Pie typically takes about 30 minutes of active time in the kitchen. However, you must account for chilling time as well. Once you’ve prepared the mousse and poured it into the crust, refrigerate it for at least four hours or overnight for the best results. This ensures that the mousse sets properly and achieves its desired texture.
Can I make Cranberry Mousse Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make Cranberry Mousse Pie ahead of time! It actually tastes better when allowed to chill overnight. Preparing it a day in advance will give the flavors time to meld beautifully. Just cover it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil after it has set in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and protected from any odors.
How does Cranberry Mousse Pie differ from other mousse pies?
Cranberry Mousse Pie stands out from other mousse pies due to its unique tart flavor profile derived from cranberries. Many mousse pies use chocolate or fruit like strawberries or raspberries, which tend to be much sweeter. The balance of tartness and sweetness in this pie creates a refreshing dessert option that is perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Conclusion for Cranberry Mousse Pie :
Cranberry Mousse Pie is a delightful dessert that combines tart cranberries with creamy textures for a truly unique experience. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, it’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to allow adequate chilling time for optimal flavor development. Whether served at festive gatherings or family dinners, this pie is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy making your own Cranberry Mousse Pie and savor each delicious bite!
Cranberry Mousse Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Mousse Pie is a delightful, airy dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a creamy filling, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well blended.
- Press the mixture evenly into a pie dish and bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and a splash of water. Cook until the cranberries burst and soften, about 10 minutes. Let cool before blending into a smooth purée.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Sprinkle powdered gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for five minutes. Then gently heat until dissolved and mix it into your cranberry purée.
- Fold the cranberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Pour the cranberry mousse filling into your cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider incorporating orange zest or substituting cranberries with raspberries. - This pie is best served chilled; avoid reheating.




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